The purpose of this study is to compare the ability of a sample of uterine muscle tissue to contract in the presence of various drugs. The drugs studied are typically used to contract the uterus when a pregnant patient continues to bleed after delivery. Amongst the uterotonic drugs (used to contract the uterus), namely oxytocin, ergonovine and carboprost, the most effective one to use is not known.

The investigators will be testing uterine muscle samples in the presence of these drugs at various concentrations, to see what their contractility measures over time, as compared with a control sample, in which no drugs will be applied.

A control sample from each patient (no uterotonic drug applied) will be measured concurrently with samples treated with various drugs.

Active Comparator: Treatment

Samples from each patient will be bathed in solutions containing varying concentrations of either oxytocin, carboprost and ergonovine, and contractility will be measured.

Drug: Oxytocin

Oxytocin, 10-9mol/L to 10-3mol/L, in Krebs-Henseleit solution.

Drug: Ergonovine

Ergonovine, 10-9mol/L to 10-3mol/L, in Krebs-Henseleit solution.

Other Name: Ergonovine Maleate

Drug: Carboprost

Carboprost, 10-9mol/L to 10-3mol/L, in Krebs-Henseleit solution.

Other Name: Hemabate

Drug: Oxytocin and Ergonovine

Oxytocin and Ergonovine, 10-9mol/L to 10-3mol/L, in Krebs-Henseleit solution.

Other Names:

Oxytocin

Ergonovine

Drug: Oxytocin and Carboprost

Oxytocin and Carboprost, 10-9mol/L to 10-3mol/L, in Krebs-Henseleit solution.

Other Names:

Oxytocin

Hemabate

Detailed Description:

Postpartum hemorrhage (PPH) is a major cause of maternal mortality and morbidity. In 80% cases of PPH, the primary cause is failure of the uterus to contract after delivery of the baby, which then requires further treatment of the mother with uterotonic drugs (drugs used to contract uterus and thus prevent bleeding).

Patients participating in this study will be asked to donate a very small sample of uterine tissue during Cesarean section, which will be tested for the ability to contract after treatment with various uterotonic drugs (oxytocin, ergonovine and carboprost) in the laboratory. This information will help us know the effect of these drugs by comparing the contractile capability of the uterine tissue.

Eligibility

Ages Eligible for Study:

Child, Adult, Senior

Sexes Eligible for Study:

Female

Accepts Healthy Volunteers:

Yes

Criteria

Inclusion Criteria:

Gestational age 37-41 weeks

Non-laboring patients, not exposed to exogenous oxytocin

Patients requiring primary Cesarean section

Cesarean section under spinal anesthesia

Exclusion Criteria:

Patients who require general anesthesia

Patient who had previous uterine surgery or Cesarean section

Patients with placental anomalies

Emergency Cesarean section in labor

Patients with bleeding disorders

Contacts and Locations

Choosing to participate in a study is an important personal decision. Talk with your doctor and family members or friends about deciding to join a study.
To learn more about this study, you or your doctor may contact the study research staff using the Contacts provided below.
For general information, see Learn About Clinical Studies.

Please refer to this study by its ClinicalTrials.gov identifier: NCT00989027